After having a fabulous time at the first ever Cupcake Camp Phoenix, I was more than delighted when I found out that Cupcake Camp Chandler (thanks Prissycook) was in the works for this spring.

Image Courtesy of Cupcake Camp Phoenix’s Facebook Gallery

The event in Phoenix was a great success in my opinion- lots of tasty eats and drinks all kindly donated by talented local bakers. It was a sugar addict’s dream! I would have loved more networking/discussion but I was with a friend so I appreciated the time she and I had to catch up. It was a fun and memorable event to be sure.

I’m looking forward to volunteering and very likely making a small sponsorship to this event. I’m particularly excited as a fellow Chandler resident living only a mile or so from Gang Plank, where this sweet soiree will be taking place.

To learn more about Cupcake Camp Chandler, or how to volunteer, sponsor or otherwise participate, visit their website- CupcakeCampChandler.com.

I made my Christmas eve a little more cheerful by baking a red velvet cupcake cake using the Wilton Cupcake Cake pan I got as a gift. The cake didn’t stick at all and turned out beautifully. Get it on Amazon.com for only $24.95!

Attention dessert devotees- December 15 marks National Cupcake Day! No matter what your favorite flavor or ideal frosting-to-cake ratio, join with other sweets lovers in this celebration of cake. Trouble is, there are countless bakeries and thousands of cupcake varieties. Here are a few of the top sweet spots where you can pay homage to this sweet treat.

Sprinkles in Los Angeles is a Hollywood favorite, blending traditional European baking with an atmosphere that’s modern chic. Expect only the finest ingredients like Madagascar vanilla Bourbon and fresh-out-of-the oven baked goods that will practically melt in your mouth.

Meanwhile, Magnolia Bakery of Sex and the City fame is keeping New Yorkers with a sweet tooth a bay. Even with several locations, tourists and locals still line up for their scrumptious cupcakes. The buttery aroma may be maddening, but every bite is worth the wait.

In Washington D.C., Cake Love is a must-stop for any dessert enthusiast. Their red velvet with cream cheese frosting is legendary.

Finally, across the pond is Cox Cookies & Cake in London. Founded by Eric Lanlard and Patrick Cox, this Soho spot serves up decadent sweets like their “Bling” cupcake (topped with diamond-esque sparkling sugar) and their “Black Skull” cupcake (sporting goth black frosting and a jeweled skull garnish).

Of course, there’s no need to pick just one. Celebrate the day by treating yourself to one, two, or maybe a few more!

Duncan Hines is being criticized for a cupcake ad that some are calling racist. The ad, for Duncan Hines’ “Amazing Glazes,” features animated vanilla cupcakes. When the unidentified woman in the ad starts putting the chocolate glaze on them, they start to beatbox. The issue? Some say it looks a lot like the cupcakes are wearing blackface. Duncan Hines pulled the spot from YouTube.